College student creates ‘JayDriving’ road signs

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — People driving in Providence may have noticed some new traffic signs downtown.

The signs were created by a Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) senior Micah Epstein. He said he made the “JayDriving” signs as part of a class project and he hopes drivers will see them and slow down to a stop if they see someone crossing the road.

“We should be able to walk safely and experience the city,” Epstein said.

The bright blue signs, showing a person stepping on a car, were put up on College Street near Canal Walk. Epstein said the signs are all about pedestrian empowerment.

“You actually do have power in this situation,” he said. “You have legal power, you’re protected ideally by the law or these types of things.”

Epstein said there are markers attached to the sign. He hopes this will encourage people to share their thoughts on what “JayDriving” means to them.

So far, pedestrians have written a variety of responses, including “rolling stops,” “aggressive indifference” and “deadly.”

“In some places, the right of way really belongs to people,” Epstein said.

Epstein is looking to take the conversation to social media by using #JayDriving where people can discuss the signs and pedestrian safety.

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